Local MP supports TECT Park proposal

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller. Photo/file

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller will back the recently announced Mobile Black Spot Fund and Rural Broadband Initiative plans.

Mr Muller said TECT All Terrain Park could profit major benefits from a government scheme to increase coverage of rural areas.

"I support the Tauranga City Council and Western BOP District Council Joint Governance committee in making an application," said Mr Muller in a release.

"Over the next two weeks I will meet with local mayors Stuart Crosby and Ross Paterson from the Tauranga City Council and Western Bay Regional Council to discuss the application and potential it has for our region,"

The park's lack of coverage is a risk in emergency situations and is a barrier to its future commercial development, said the release.

The Government has allocated $2 billion for developing Ultra-Fast Broadband and Rural Broadband Initiative.

An additional $152 million to $210 million is now available to raise the Ultra-Fast Broadband programme coverage from 75 per cent to 80 per cent of New Zealanders.

"Digital connectivity is a key part of growing our local economy. Ensuring our local businesses, schools, homes and health care providers have access to fast and reliable broadband means more opportunities for our community," said Mr Muller.

The Government is also investing $100 million to expand the Rural Broadband programme and $50 million to improve mobile coverage in black spot areas along main highways and in popular tourist destinations